Thursday, August 13, 2015

An Inside Look At The Kia Rio



HISTORY

Kia began exporting affordably priced automobiles to North America from its home base in Korea back in 1993 and today sells a cross-section of vehicles that share most of their mechanical components with parent company Hyundai. For the 2001 model year, the automaker introduced the Rio sedan, which was followed a year later by the Rio Cinco wagon. Both body styles were redesigned for 2006 with the wagon name changing to Rio5. Common to both was a 110-horsepower four-cylinder powerplant that was available with a five-speed automatic transmission or optional four-speed automatic. Following a six-year run, an all-new third-generation Rio series was launched for the 2012 model year.

PRICES AT A GLANCE

Base Rio models are just that and lacked what most buyers would consider essential accessories. Up-level models likely won’t cost much more and will ultimately be the more satisfying purchase.

THE GOOD STUFF

With a starting price in the $11,000-$13,000 range when new, the Rio was one of the more affordable models on the market and offered a strong alternative to purchasing a used car. Although small in stature, the interior provided plenty of space for four (five if back-seat occupants didn’t mind being crammed together) plus their belongings. The more versatile Rio5 wagon was the hauler of the two and was capable of transporting a considerable amount of gear with the rear seat folded down (although the load floor was not flat). The four-cylinder engine delivered reasonable torque for its size and either available transmission worked well and shifted smoothly.

HEADS UP!

Urban commuting and performing light-duty tasks was the Rio’s specialty. However hauling heavy loads taxed the smallish engine and also adversely affected fuel economy that was never the car’s strong suit in the first place. In addition, excessive freeway speeds created plenty of unpleasant engine and road noise. Rios with manual gearboxes did the best job at maximizing performance and fuel economy. The Rio’s overall fit and finish was above average, but the materials used for the interior displayed Kia’s obvious cost-cutting measures.

OVERALL

The Rio might not be the fanciest, the quickest or most fuel-saving sub-compact on the street, but for car shoppers looking for cheap wheels, the Rio’s good looks, affordable purchase price and overall cost of operation make it worthy of serious consideration, especially for multi-vehicle households. Other sub-compacts sharing the Rio’s pre-owned price range include the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Aveo, Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris.


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